Influenza Flashcards
Seasonal influenza reamins among the leading causes of ____ in the US.
DEATH
How do you classify influenza types?
Type A and B
When is “flu season”?
October-May, with peak in February
What percentage of the population becomes ill from influenza each year?
5-20%
How many people are hospitalized each year for influenza? How many die?
200,000 hospitalized,
36,000 die
How is influenza spread?
respiratory droplets and/or contact with infected object
When is a person with influenza infectious?
1 day prior to and 5 days after becoming ill
How do you best prevent an influenza infection?
flu vaccine (shot or nasal spray)
How many influenza viruses are contained in each vaccine?
three; two type A and one type B
How many weeks does it take for an influenza vaccine to become effective?
2
What is a novel influenza? What is the result of a novel influenza infection?
A subtype of influenza that has not previously circulated in humans; tends to result in more severe disease since there is not immunity.
What are some examples of pandemic influenza infections?
Spanish influenza pandemic (1918), Asian influenza pandemic (1957), Hong Kong influenza pandemic (1968), and H1N1 (2009).
How is influenza transmitted?
Close contact, primarily through large respiratory droplets or short distance aerosols.
Indirect transmission, such as hand contact with secretions or through environmental contact.
What are the typical signs and symptoms of influenza? In infants? In elderly?
Sudden onset of fever >101F, cough, sore throat, cough, myalgia, lymphadenopathy, fatigue.
Infants may present with irritability, dehydration, and fever.
Elderly may appear disoriented.
Novel types may present with PNA, acute respiratory distress, NVD.
How do you test for influenza?
Commercial rapid influenza antigen tests, RT-PCR, and viral cultures (take 3-10 days to result).
